Colonia del Sacramento Things to Do

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The city gate (Puerta de Campo or Puerta de la Ciudadela) is a drawbridge built in 1745 (while Portuguese governor Vasconcellos was in office) to safeguard the walled city. This was the only entrance to the city and now marks the beginning of the historic district. Some parts of the walls are still standing and are of great historic interest.

The Plaza de Toros was built in 1910 and saw only 8 bullfights before bullfighting was prohibited in 1912. It was built in a moorish style and could hold 8000 people, about the whole population of Colonia at that time. After bullfighting was prohibited, the ring was abandoned and today we can only see its remains from the outside.

The main attraction in Colonia is visiting the old part of town which is about 5mins from the ferry/bus station. This part of town is also an excellent place to go shopping for gifts or for yourself. Good quality stuff for cheap prices.

This town is well worth a day trip from Buenos Aires . The tree lined streets take you back to another era. There are many shops and restaurants in town but the best thing is to just walk around and soak up the atmospere. I look back more fondly on my day in Colonia than my week in BA.

The lighthouse was built in 1857 adjacent to the Convent of San Francisco Xavier. Only the ruins of the convent is left today, but the lighthouse is still in full operation. It sparks a red glow every 9 seconds and the lighting instensity is of 620 candles. It was rebuilt in 1920 and nowadays it is considered a Historical national monument

I was quite surprised to see the casino sign. Did not think that there would be one in this lovely quiet little place. They were busy with some renovation work to the building and the pavement at the entrance when we walked past it.

We were looking for a nice restaurant, when we spotted this brightly pink painted place not far from the tourist office and right by the city gate. Upon entering we were welcomed by a French gentleman who spoke perfect English and he insisted that we make a tour of the house and had great pride in explaining to us that this use to be the house of pleasure many years ago. Upstairs he has a room with letters/clothes and other items which belonged to these ladies.

Inaugurated in 1994 this Portuguese house, also called the pink house, belongs to the middle of the 18th century. It was restored with furniture copies and made to look like is was when the people lived in the colonial period.